Hooker Tania Naden will make her return to the Women’s Rugby World Cup stage against the USA in the Wallaroos' second World Cup pool match at York Community Stadium on Sunday morning (4:30am AEST).
Naden, 33, appeared in the 2021 World Cup in New Zealand and was rested for the first game of this year’s tournament in England. She replaces fellow Brumby Katalina Amosa, who drops to the bench having scored a try in the Wallaroos’ win against Samoa last week.
The Wallaroos will be looking to lock in a quarter-final spot with victory over the Americans with Yapp making four changes to the team that took on Samoa.
Brumbies Naden and Lydia Kavoa are brought into the squad with Waratah Annabelle Codey and Force fly-half Trilleen Pomare also included in matchday 23 for the crucial clash.
Kavoa takes her place on the bench alongside Amosa and fellow Brumby Tia Hinds.
Faitala Moleka and Tabua Tuinakauvadra are the only two Brumbies who retain their starting spots, with Ashley Fernandez rested this week.
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp said: "Overall we were pleased with our performance against Samoa last week but in the context of our campaign, we know the match coming up is a big one for us.
"The USA will be physical and we’ll need to match that. We have been happy with how we’ve trained this week and we are excited for the challenge on Saturday.”
Injured captain Siokapesi Palu remains sidelined with a foot injury but is nearing closer to a return.
The Wallaroos have met the USA on nine occasions previously since 1997, winning three matches.
More recently they beat the Americans 27-19 during the Pacific Four series in Canberra in May.
Watch every Wallaroos match at the Women's Rugby World Cup, live and ad-free on Stan Sport or Channel Nine and 9GEM live.
WALLAROOS TEAM TO PLAY USA
1. Faliki Pohiva (#219 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 5 caps
2. Tania Naden (#197 - Uni-North Owls) – 25 caps
3. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 - Sydney University) – 34 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (c) (#179 - SCU Marlins) – 32 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (#168 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 39 caps
6. Piper Duck (#185 - Tumut Bullettes) – 19 caps
7. Emily Chancellor (c) (#158 - Sydney University) – 31 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 - Orange Emus) – 19 caps
9. Samantha Wood (#207 - Kalamunda Rugby) – 8 caps
10. Faitala Moleka (#199 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 23 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 - Eastern Suburbs) – 20 caps
12. Cecilia Smith (#190 - Leeton Dianas) – 25 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 - Wests Bulldogs) – 35 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 - Nelson Bay Gropers) – 19 caps
15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 - Camden Rams) – 12 caps
Reserves:
16. Katalina Amosa (#218 - Southern Districts) – 7 caps
17. Lydia Kavoa (#214 - Eastern Suburbs) – 9 caps
18. Asoiva Karpani (#171 - Southern Suburbs) – 38 caps
19. Annabelle Codey (#189 - Easts Brisbane) – 7 caps
20. Ashley Marsters (#117 - Boroondara) – 42 caps
21. Layne Morgan (#188 - Merewether Carlton) – 37 caps
22. Trilleen Pomare (#155 - Wanneroo) – 40 caps
23. Tia Hinds (#222 - Randwick) – 7 caps
Players unavailable for selection due to injury:
Siokapesi Palu (foot)
WOMEN'S RUGBY WORLD CUP 2025
Saturday, August 23: Wallaroos 73 defeated Samoa 0
Sunday, August 31: Wallaroos v USA at York Community Stadium, York - 4:30am AEST
Sunday, September 7: Wallaroos v England at Brighton and Hove Stadium, Brighton and Hove - 2:00am AEST
